Aerial View of Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport

Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport HER

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Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport (HER) Guide

Welcome to Heraklion Airport, Crete's premier gateway and home to the unique "Nikos Kazantzakis" exhibit, celebrating the island's famous writer. This concise guide ensures a smooth journey through HER's modern amenities, from flight details to dining and shopping. Perfect for both new and frequent flyers.

Discover everything HER has to offer, including parking, terminal maps, and more, making your travel seamless. Ready for an easier airport experience?

For a deeper dive into airport insights, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide.

HER Airport, with the airport code HER, has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal has two levels, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the upper floor. The airport has 27 gates in total, with Gates 1-6 serving domestic flights and Gates 7-27 serving international flights.

Major airlines that operate at HER include Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2.com. These airlines operate from various gates in the terminal, so it's important to check your flight information display screen to find out which gate your flight will depart from.

The airport terminal offers a range of services and facilities for travelers, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and currency exchange. There are also ATMs, a pharmacy, and a first aid station available for passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has only one terminal, making it easy for passengers to navigate through the airport. The terminal is divided into two levels, with arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the upper level. The airport is relatively small, so passengers can easily walk between the gates and facilities within the terminal. There are no shuttle buses or trains needed to get between terminals, as there is only one terminal available.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

HER offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the designated curbside areas in front of the terminal. However, please note that parking in these areas is strictly prohibited and you must remain with your vehicle at all times. If you need to park your car, you can use the short-term parking lot located near the terminal.

If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located just outside the airport. This area allows you to wait in your car until your passenger has collected their luggage and is ready to be picked up. Once your passenger is ready, you can drive to the curbside area to pick them up. Please note that waiting or parking in the curbside area is not allowed, and you may be fined or towed if you do so.

Parking Facilities & Options

HER Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit every traveler's needs. There are several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminal, making it easy to park and fly.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there are cell phone waiting areas available for your convenience. These areas allow you to park for free and wait until your passenger is ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, and there are designated spaces located close to the terminal for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport and can save you money on parking fees.

Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help travelers get to their destination. One of the most popular options is car rental. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the island at their own pace.

If you prefer to take a taxi, there are taxi stands located outside the arrivals area. Taxis are available 24/7 and can take you to any destination on the island. The fare from the airport to the city center is approximately 15-20 euros, depending on traffic and time of day.

For those who want to save money, shared ride services are also available. These services allow you to share a ride with other travelers going in the same direction. Pickup areas are located outside the arrivals area, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are another option for travelers. These shuttles provide transportation to and from the airport to various locations on the island. Pickup areas are located outside the arrivals area, and fares vary depending on the destination.

Finally, public transportation options are available for those who want to save money and experience the local culture. Buses run regularly from the airport to the city center and other destinations on the island. The fare is affordable, and the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be tiresome and finding a comfortable place to rest near the airport can make a significant difference in your journey. We have curated a list of accommodations that provide the comfort, convenience, and proximity air travelers often seek. From luxury suites to cozy apartments, these accommodations are not just close to the airport but also offer easy access to local attractions. Whether you're looking for a hotel with a relaxing terrace, a lush garden, or breathtaking mountain vistas, you'll find a variety of options in this guide. Many of these accommodations offer complimentary WiFi, ensuring you stay connected throughout your stay. So, whether you're in transit, on a business trip, or exploring the beautiful island of Crete, these hotels are sure to enhance your travel experience. View all Heraklia Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some shopping options while at Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport, you won't be disappointed. The airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options to suit all tastes and budgets. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks, located in the Departures Hall. If you have a bit more time, check out the Mediterranean-inspired menu at the Olive Tree restaurant, located in the public area of the airport. Another great option is the Cretan cuisine at Kritamon, which is located in the Departures Hall.

When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from. For duty-free shopping, head to the Hellenic Duty Free Shop, located in the Departures Hall. Here you'll find a wide selection of products, including cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, and tobacco. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Cretan Market, located in the public area of the airport. Here you'll find a variety of local products, including olive oil, honey, and traditional Cretan sweets.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Heraklion Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

Heraklion Airport, located in Greece, offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Traveling with children? The airport offers a designated children's play area to keep little ones entertained before your flight.

Special-needs services are available for passengers who require assistance, including wheelchair accessibility and special seating arrangements.

Banking services are conveniently located in the terminal, with ATMs and currency exchange available for your convenience.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the terminal, with trained medical staff available to assist you.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At HER, there are several ways to get updates on your flight's departure time, gate information, and any delays or cancellations.

One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on all departing flights.

Another convenient option is to download your airline's mobile app. Many airlines offer push notifications, text messages, or email alerts to keep passengers informed about any changes to their flight status. These apps also allow you to check in for your flight, view your boarding pass, and track your luggage.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at HER Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When traveling through the airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours before for international flights. The airport can get quite busy during peak travel times, so it is best to avoid arriving during these times if possible. The busiest times at HER are typically during the summer months, especially in July and August.

Getting to the Airport

The easiest way to get to Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport is by taxi or private car. There are also public buses that run to and from the airport, but these can be less reliable and may not always run on time. If you are driving to the airport, there is a large parking lot available for both short-term and long-term parking.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at Heraklion Airport, it can be helpful to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, and other amenities. You can also use the airport's information desk to ask for directions or assistance if needed.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at HER, it is important to arrive early and be prepared for security screenings. Make sure you have all necessary documents, such as your passport and boarding pass, easily accessible. Additionally, it is a good idea to pack your carry-on bag in an organized manner to make the screening process smoother. Finally, be aware of any flight updates or changes, and check the airport's website or mobile app for real-time information.

Airport Facts & Stats

The airport is the primary airport serving the island of Crete in Greece. The airport is located about 5 kilometers east of the city of Heraklion and is the second-busiest airport in Greece, after Athens International Airport.

The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal has a capacity of 6 million passengers per year and features a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.

On average, Crete Heraklion Kazantzakis Airport handles around 15,000 passengers per day and operates around 120 flights per day. The airport serves a range of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, with over 100 airlines operating flights to and from the airport.

The top airlines with the most daily flights from Heraklion Airport are Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and easyJet. The top 5 destinations served by the airport are Athens, Thessaloniki, London, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Several airlines use HER as a hub, including Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, and Sky Express.

Airport History

HER Airport, located in the city of Heraklion, Greece, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1937: The airport was established as a military airfield by the Greek Air Force.
  • 1946: The airport was opened to civilian air traffic, serving as a hub for Olympic Airways.
  • 1953: The airport was named after Nikos Kazantzakis, a famous Greek writer and philosopher.
  • 1971: The airport underwent a major expansion, with the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1996: The airport was privatized and transferred to Fraport Greece, a subsidiary of the Frankfurt Airport operator.
  • 2018: The airport underwent a renovation and modernization project, with the expansion of the terminal building and the installation of new facilities and services.

Today, the airport is one of the busiest airports in Greece, serving millions of passengers every year and connecting the island of Crete with destinations all over the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Heraklion International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: HER
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +30 2810 397800
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Heraklion International Airport, Nikos Kazantzakis, 716 01 Heraklion, Greece

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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